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UK waters hit with extreme heatwave as global sea temperatures reach record levels
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/08/uk-waters-extreme-heatwave-global-sea-temperatures-record-climate-crisisExperts warn that some marine species are at risk of ‘mass mortality events’ in ever-warming oceans
The archipelago of St Kilda. Marine temperatures in UK seas have been on average 2C higher than usual, with some areas 4-5C warmer. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian
Pippa Neill
Wed 8 Jul 2026 07.13 EDT
UK waters are being hit with an “extreme” marine heatwave, the Met Office has said, as scientists warn that high ocean temperatures globally could result in “mass-mortality events” for some species.
The forecasters said these elevated temperatures have developed rapidly because of last month’s heat dome, during which most of Europe sweltered in its worst ever heatwave that scientists said would have been impossible without the climate crisis.
The third heatwave of the summer has arrived in the UK this week, with temperatures on track to exceed 30C for up to 10 consecutive days. Dr Ségolène Berthou, an air-sea interaction specialist at the Met Office, said these atmospheric conditions drive the marine heatwave.
“The ocean didn’t have enough time to cool down between the two land heatwaves,” she said.
…
The archipelago of St Kilda. Marine temperatures in UK seas have been on average 2C higher than usual, with some areas 4-5C warmer. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian
Pippa Neill
Wed 8 Jul 2026 07.13 EDT
UK waters are being hit with an “extreme” marine heatwave, the Met Office has said, as scientists warn that high ocean temperatures globally could result in “mass-mortality events” for some species.
The forecasters said these elevated temperatures have developed rapidly because of last month’s heat dome, during which most of Europe sweltered in its worst ever heatwave that scientists said would have been impossible without the climate crisis.
The third heatwave of the summer has arrived in the UK this week, with temperatures on track to exceed 30C for up to 10 consecutive days. Dr Ségolène Berthou, an air-sea interaction specialist at the Met Office, said these atmospheric conditions drive the marine heatwave.
“The ocean didn’t have enough time to cool down between the two land heatwaves,” she said.
…